Display panel and electronic paper

Abstract

A display panel and electronic paper are disclosed. The display panel includes a first substrate, a second substrate, and an electrophoretic layer. The first substrate includes a first electrode layer, which comprises a first electrode and a second electrode that are independent of each other. The second substrate is disposed opposite to and spaced apart from the first substrate in a first direction. The surface of the second substrate facing away from the first substrate is a display surface. The second substrate includes a second electrode layer, which is disposed on the side of the second substrate facing away from the display surface. The second electrode layer includes a third electrode and a fourth electrode that are independent of each other. The electrophoretic layer is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate and includes electrophoretic particles. The first electrode, second electrode, third electrode, and fourth electrode are used to charge different voltages. The display panel of this application can use the electric field generated by the first electrode to the fourth electrode to change the aggregation state of the electrophoretic particles in the electrophoretic layer, thereby achieving more levels of grayscale control.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of display panel technology, specifically to a display panel and electronic paper. Background Technology

[0002] Electronic paper displays have garnered widespread attention due to their eye-friendly and energy-saving features. Among them, electronic paper employs an electrophoretic display structure, offering advantages in improving reflectivity, reducing response time, and enhancing grayscale capabilities.

[0003] Current display panels generate a vertical electric field by controlling electrodes located on both sides of the electrophoretic liquid layer, thereby adjusting the degree of aggregation of different colored electrophoretic particles at the bottom and top of the box to achieve different gray levels. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a display panel and electronic paper that can achieve more levels of grayscale control.

[0005] To achieve the objectives of this application, the following technical solution is provided: In a first aspect, this application provides a display panel, including a first substrate, a second substrate, and an electrophoretic layer. The first substrate includes a first electrode layer, which includes a first electrode and a second electrode that are independent of each other. The second substrate is disposed opposite to and spaced apart from the first substrate in a first direction. The surface of the second substrate facing away from the first substrate is a display surface. The second substrate includes a second electrode layer, which is disposed on the side of the second substrate facing away from the display surface. The second electrode layer includes a third electrode and a fourth electrode that are independent of each other. The electrophoretic layer is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, and the electrophoretic layer includes electrophoretic particles. The first electrode, the second electrode, the third electrode, and the fourth electrode are used to be charged with different voltages. In the first direction, at least a portion of the third electrode is exposed from the gap between the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0006] In one embodiment, the first electrode and the second electrode are spaced apart in a second direction, and the third electrode and the fourth electrode are spaced apart in the second direction.

[0007] In one embodiment, the first electrode includes a plurality of first sub-electrodes, which are spaced apart in the second direction. The second electrode includes a plurality of second sub-electrodes, which are spaced apart in the second direction. At least two first electrodes and at least two second electrodes are alternately arranged in the second direction.

[0008] In one embodiment, the first electrode further includes a first connecting electrode connected to the same end of a plurality of first sub-electrodes, and the second electrode further includes a second connecting electrode connected to the same end of a plurality of second sub-electrodes, wherein the plurality of first sub-electrodes and the plurality of second sub-electrodes are located between the first connecting electrode and the second connecting electrode.

[0009] In one embodiment, the third electrode includes a plurality of third sub-electrodes spaced apart in the second direction, and the fourth electrode includes a plurality of fourth sub-electrodes spaced apart in the second direction. In the first direction, the third sub-electrodes and the fourth sub-electrodes are exposed from the gap between the first sub-electrodes and the second sub-electrodes.

[0010] In one embodiment, the first electrode and the second electrode are arranged sequentially in a second direction, and the third electrode and the fourth electrode are arranged sequentially in a third direction, wherein the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction intersect each other.

[0011] In one embodiment, in the orthographic projection of the first direction, the areas of the first electrode and the second electrode are different, and / or the areas of the third electrode and the fourth electrode are different.

[0012] In one embodiment, the electrophoretic layer further includes a pixel wall disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, and the first substrate, the second substrate, and the pixel wall together enclose a pixel cavity, in which the electrophoretic particles are housed.

[0013] In one embodiment, both the first substrate and the second substrate are provided with reference electrodes, and in the orthographic projection in the first direction, at least a portion of the reference electrodes coincides with the pixel wall.

[0014] In one embodiment, the second substrate further includes a light-shielding layer, in which the pixel wall and the reference electrode are located within the light-shielding layer in a positive projection in the first direction.

[0015] In one embodiment, the electrophoretic layer includes a microcup structure disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, and the microcup structure has a receiving cavity in which the electrophoretic particles are received.

[0016] In a second aspect, this application provides an electronic paper, including a housing and a display panel as described in any one of the various embodiments of the first aspect, the display panel being housed within the housing.

[0017] By setting independent first to fourth electrodes, different driving signals can be provided to the first to fourth electrodes. The electric fields generated by multiple electrodes can drive electrophoretic particles to move in the electrophoretic layer. While ensuring the uniformity of particle distribution, the electric fields generated by the first to fourth electrodes can be used to change the aggregation state of electrophoretic particles in the electrophoretic layer, thereby achieving more levels of grayscale control. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a display panel according to one embodiment; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of a display panel according to one embodiment; Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the cross section at point AA; Figure 4 This is a top view of the first substrate and the second substrate in one embodiment; Figure 5 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the display panel at BB in one display state; Figure 6 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the display panel at BB in another display state; Figure 7 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the display panel at BB in another display state; Figure 8 This is a top view of the first substrate and the second substrate in another embodiment; Figure 9 This is a top view of the display panel in another embodiment; Figure 10 yes Figure 9 Sectional view at CC; Figure 11 yes Figure 9 Sectional view at point DD; Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic paper.

[0020] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1000-Electronic paper, 100-Display panel, 10-First substrate, 11-First electrode layer, 111-First electrode, 112-Second electrode, 113-First sub-electrode, 114-Second sub-electrode, 115-First connecting electrode, 116-Second connecting electrode, 12-First substrate, 13-First driving unit, 131-First driving transistor, 20-Second substrate, 21-Second electrode layer, 211-Third electrode, 212-Fourth electrode, 213-Third sub-electrode, 214-Fourth sub-electrode, 22-Second substrate, 23-Second driving unit, 231-Second driving transistor, 24-Light shielding layer, 25-Display surface, 30-Electrophoretic layer, 31-Electrophoretic particles, 32-Pixel wall, 33-Pixel cavity, 40-Pixel structure, 50-Protective layer, 60-Dielectric layer, 70-Cover plate, 80-Reference electrode, 90-Microcup structure, 200-Outer shell; Z - First direction, X - Second direction, Y - Third direction. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0022] It should be noted that when a component is said to be "fixed" to another component, it can be directly on the other component or it can be in a middle component. When a component is said to be "connected" to another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or it may be in a middle component.

[0023] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains. The terminology used in the specification of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. The term "and / or" as used in this application includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0024] The following detailed description of some embodiments of this application is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0025] This application provides an electronic device, including the electronic paper described in this application embodiment. This electronic device can be an e-book, electronic newspaper, billboard, handwriting tablet, etc., and is not specifically limited thereto. By employing the electronic paper described in this application embodiment, the electronic device demonstrates excellent driving performance and can achieve precise grayscale control.

[0026] This application provides an electronic paper, including the display panel described in this application embodiment.

[0027] Electronic paper is a general term for paper-like display technologies. This technology uses an electric field to control the directional movement of charged colored particles or ink to achieve display purposes, exhibiting bistable and reflective characteristics. Bistable means that electronic paper can maintain a static image without any external power supply or with only a small amount of power, requiring electricity only when switching display images; reflective means that electronic paper itself does not emit light, relying on ambient light reflection for imaging. Currently, electronic paper technology mainly includes two types: electrophoretic and electrowetting. Electrophoretic electronic paper technology has entered the commercial stage. The display principle of electrophoretic electronic paper technology is based on the electrophoretic movement of solid particles. By controlling electrodes located on both sides of the electrophoretic layer to generate a vertical electric field, different gray levels are achieved by adjusting the degree of aggregation of electrophoretic particles of different colors at the top or bottom of the electrophoretic layer.

[0028] The display panel 100 in this application will be described in detail below.

[0029] First, define the direction. Please refer to [the relevant documentation / reference]. Figure 1 Z is the first direction, X is the second direction, and Y is the third direction. The first direction Z, the second direction X, and the third direction Y intersect each other. Optionally, the first direction Z, the second direction X, and the third direction Y are perpendicular to each other.

[0030] In a specific implementation, the first direction Z is the thickness direction of the display panel 100.

[0031] Please refer to Figures 2 to 11 This application provides a display panel 100, including a first substrate 10, a second substrate 20, and an electrophoretic layer 30. The first substrate 10 includes a first electrode layer 11, which includes a first electrode 111 and a second electrode 112 that are independent of each other. The second substrate 20 is disposed opposite to and spaced apart from the first substrate 10 in a first direction Z. The surface of the second substrate 20 facing away from the first substrate 10 is a display surface 25. The second substrate 20 includes a second electrode layer 21, which is disposed on the side of the second substrate 20 facing away from the display surface 25. The second electrode layer 21 includes a third electrode 211 and a fourth electrode 212 that are independent of each other. The electrophoretic layer 30 is disposed between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20, and the electrophoretic layer 30 includes electrophoretic particles 31.

[0032] The first electrode 111, the second electrode 112, the third electrode 211, and the fourth electrode 212 are used to charge different voltages.

[0033] In the first direction Z, at least a portion of the third electrode 211 is exposed through the gap between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112. This arrangement allows the third electrode 211 to fill the gap between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 in the orthogonal projection of the first direction Z, preventing uneven particle display, improving the uniformity of particle distribution, and thus enhancing the display effect. Similarly, in the first direction Z, at least a portion of the fourth electrode 212 is exposed through the gap between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112.

[0034] The display panel 100 provided in this application embodiment can provide different driving signals to the first electrode 111 to the fourth electrode 212 by setting mutually independent first electrodes 111 to the fourth electrode 212. The electric field generated by multiple electrodes can drive the electrophoretic particles 31 to move in the electrophoretic layer 30. While ensuring the uniformity of particle distribution, the electric field generated by the first electrode 111 to the fourth electrode 212 can be used to change the aggregation state of the electrophoretic particles 31 in the electrophoretic layer 30, thereby realizing more levels of grayscale control.

[0035] Furthermore, compared to driving charged particles to move solely through the electric field generated by the common electrode and the pixel electrode along the first direction Z, the multiple electrodes in this embodiment can drive charged particles to move in different directions, shortening the migration distance of the charged particles and thus reducing the refresh time. For specific implementation details, please refer to... Figure 2 The display panel 100 includes multiple pixel structures 40, which are arranged in a multi-row, multi-column array.

[0036] Optionally, the display panel 100 also includes a driving circuit that is electrically connected to the pixel structure 40.

[0037] Optionally, there may be multiple pixel structures 40, arranged in an array. The driving circuit is electrically connected to the multiple pixel structures 40, which can be connected in series, in parallel, or partially in series and partially in parallel; there is no specific limitation. Optionally, each pixel structure 40 includes independent first electrodes 111 to fourth electrodes 212.

[0038] In specific implementations, such as Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3 for Figure 2The cross-sectional view at point AA shows that a first electrode layer 11 is formed on a first substrate 12 to obtain a first substrate 10; a second electrode layer 21 is formed on a second substrate 22 to obtain a second substrate 20; an electrophoretic layer 30 is formed on one side of the first substrate 10, and then the second substrate 20 is covered with the electrophoretic layer 30 using a vacuum bonding process, thereby obtaining the structure of the display panel 100 provided in this application embodiment.

[0039] In some implementations, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the first substrate 10 further includes a plurality of first driving units 13 located between the first electrode layer 11 and the first substrate 12; the plurality of first driving units 13 are electrically connected to a plurality of pixel structures 40 in a one-to-one correspondence. Optionally, the first driving unit 13 includes at least two first driving transistors 131, and the plurality of first driving transistors 131 are electrically connected to a plurality of electrodes (e.g., first electrode 111 and second electrode 112) in the first electrode layer 11 in a one-to-one correspondence. Correspondingly, the second substrate 20 includes a plurality of second driving units 23 located between the second electrode layer 21 and the second substrate 22, and the plurality of second driving units 23 are electrically connected to a plurality of pixel structures 40 in a one-to-one correspondence. Optionally, the second driving unit 23 includes at least two second driving transistors 231, and the plurality of second driving transistors 231 are electrically connected to a plurality of electrodes (e.g., third electrode 211 and fourth electrode 212) in the second electrode layer 21 in a one-to-one correspondence. This allows for the provision of driving signals to each electrode individually, ensuring that the driving signals between the multiple electrodes are not completely identical, enabling more precise adjustment of the aggregation state of the electrophoretic particles 31 and achieving more levels of grayscale control.

[0040] In specific implementations, such as Figure 3 As shown, the first substrate 10 also includes a protective layer 50, which is located between the first driving unit 13 and the first electrode layer 11. The protective layer 50 is used to provide physical and chemical protection for the first driving unit 13, preventing external contaminants such as water vapor, oxygen, and sodium ions from entering the interior of the first driving transistor 131, and preventing device aging, corrosion, or characteristic drift (especially for semiconductor materials sensitive to water and oxygen); it also separates the source / drain of the first driving transistor 131 from the upper first electrode layer 11 (except for the area connected by vias), preventing subsequent processes from causing mechanical damage to the first driving transistor 131.

[0041] In specific implementations, such as Figure 3 As shown, a dielectric layer 60 is also provided on the surface of the first electrode layer 11 facing the electrophoretic layer 30. The dielectric layer 60 is used to isolate the first electrode layer 11 from the electrophoretic layer 30, so as to prevent the electrophoretic particles 31 from directly contacting the first electrode layer 11 and causing electrochemical corrosion that would affect the lifespan of the display panel 100, while allowing the electric field to pass through.

[0042] The electrophoretic layer 30 contains a non-polar solvent and polar electrophoretic particles 31, which can move within the electrophoretic layer 30. In a specific embodiment, the display panel 100 can be a transmissive display panel 100, and the multiple electrophoretic particles 31 are all charged particles of a first color. Taking the electrophoretic particles 31 as positively charged black ink particles and the first substrate 12 as white as an example, the ink particles are all positively charged and repel each other, avoiding clumping. During display, the larger the area of ​​the black ink particles covering the first substrate 12, the lower the pixel brightness; the smaller the area of ​​the black ink particles covering the first substrate 12, the higher the pixel brightness.

[0043] Optionally, the second substrate 20 also has a protective layer 50 and a dielectric layer 60. The specific locations and arrangements of these layers are similar to those of the first substrate 10 described above, and will not be repeated here. In specific embodiments, such as... Figure 3 As shown, a cover plate 70 is also stacked on the display surface 25 of the second substrate 20. The cover plate 70 can be a transparent material with high strength, such as a glass cover plate 70, to protect the internal components of the display panel 100.

[0044] It is understood that in the different embodiments described below, the display panel 100 may include at least some of the above structures, or may use any other feasible structures in the art as alternatives, without any specific limitation.

[0045] In one implementation, such as Figure 3 As shown, the electrophoretic layer 30 also includes a pixel wall 32, which is disposed between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20. The first substrate 10, the second substrate 20 and the pixel wall 32 together enclose the pixel cavity 33, and the electrophoretic particles 31 are housed in the pixel cavity 33.

[0046] Pixel walls 32 are used to isolate independent pixel cavities 33. Optionally, multiple pixel structures 40 are separated by pixel walls 32.

[0047] The pixel wall 32 can be a one-piece structure, meaning it is a one-piece structure manufactured using a single molding process. The manufacturing process can include photolithography, etching, etc., and there are no specific limitations. Optionally, the first substrate 10 closes one end opening of the pixel wall 32 in the first direction Z, and the second substrate 20 closes the end opening of the pixel wall 32 opposite to the first substrate 10 in the first direction Z. Both the electrophoretic liquid and the electrophoretic particles 31 are housed within the pixel cavity 33.

[0048] Optionally, in the orthographic projection in the first direction Z, the pixel wall 32 may be approximately in the shape of a "U". Optionally, in the orthographic projection in the first direction Z, at least a portion of the pixel wall 32 may coincide with the driving unit to increase the area of ​​the light-emitting region and improve the aperture ratio of the pixel structure 40.

[0049] With this configuration, the pixel wall 32 can isolate independent pixel cavities 33, facilitating independent control of multiple pixel structures 40. In addition, the pixel wall 32 can also block leakage current or electrical crosstalk between pixel structures 40, achieving electrical isolation.

[0050] In one implementation, such as Figure 3 As shown, both the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 are provided with reference electrodes 80.

[0051] The reference electrode 80 can adopt any feasible electrode structure in the art, such as a metal electrode, a transparent electrode, etc., without limitation. The reference electrode 80 is used to form a horizontal electric field with the first electrode layer 11 / second electrode layer 21 to drive the electrophoretic particles 31 to move in a direction perpendicular to the first direction Z.

[0052] In the orthographic projection in the first direction Z, at least a portion of the reference electrode 80 coincides with the pixel wall 32. This arrangement eliminates the need for additional obstruction of the reference electrode 80, thereby increasing the area of ​​the light-emitting region and improving the aperture ratio of the pixel structure 40.

[0053] In one implementation, such as Figures 5 to 7 As shown, Figures 5 to 7 for Figure 2 The image shows a cross-sectional view of the display panel 100 at point BB under different display states. The second substrate 20 also includes a light-shielding layer 24. In the orthographic projection in the first direction Z, the pixel wall 32 and the reference electrode 80 are located within the light-shielding layer 24. The light-shielding layer 24 is used to shield non-light-emitting areas such as the driving unit, pixel wall 32, and metal traces, reducing screen reflection. Optionally, when the display panel 100 is a reflective display panel 100, the color of the light-shielding layer 24 can be the same as the color of the first substrate 12, which is beneficial to the uniformity of the display effect. In addition, when the display panel 100 is used to display a color different from that of the electrophoretic particles 31, the electrophoretic particles 31 can be gathered below the light-shielding layer 24 under the action of the reference electrode 80 and the electrode layer formation. At this time, the pixel structure 40 can display the color of the first substrate 12. For example, when the electrophoretic particles 31 are charged black ink particles, both the light-shielding layer 24 and the first substrate 12 are white to achieve black and white display. Of course, the display panel 100 can also be used to achieve color display, etc. In this case, the colors of the light-shielding layer 24 and the electrophoretic particles 31 can be adjusted adaptively without any specific restrictions.

[0054] In one implementation, such as Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 are spaced apart in the second direction X, and the third electrode 211 and the fourth electrode 212 are spaced apart in the second direction X. For ease of distinction, in... Figure 2 In the image, the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 located on the first substrate 10 are shown in gray areas. Figure 4In (a), the second electrode 112 is shown in gray. Figure 4 In (b), the fourth electrode 212 is shown in gray.

[0055] Optionally, the first electrode 111 to the fourth electrode 212 can all be transparent electrodes commonly used in the art, such as indium tin oxide (ITO), silver nanowires, etc., without limitation. The first electrode 111 to the fourth electrode 212 can all adopt any feasible electrode shape in the art, without specific limitation.

[0056] In one embodiment, in the orthographic projection of the first direction Z, the areas of the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 are different, and / or, the areas of the third electrode 211 and the fourth electrode 212 are different. Optionally, the areas of the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 are different, while the areas of the third electrode 211 and the fourth electrode 212 are the same; or, the areas of the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 are different, while the areas of the third electrode 211 and the fourth electrode 212 are different; or, the areas of the first electrode 111 to the fourth electrode 212 are all different, and so on. Setting multiple electrodes with different areas allows for finer control over the aggregation or dispersion of electrophoretic particles 31 in the electrophoretic layer 30, facilitating further precise grayscale control.

[0057] Optionally, in the first direction Z, at least a portion of the first electrode 111 is correspondingly disposed with respect to the third electrode 211, and at least a portion of the first electrode 111 is correspondingly disposed with respect to the fourth electrode 212. It is understood that the correspondence between at least a portion of the first electrode 111 and the third electrode 211 can mean that, in the orthographic projection of the first direction Z, at least a portion of the first electrode 111 coincides with the third electrode 211, or that an electric field controlling the movement of the electrophoretic particles 31 is formed between at least a portion of the first electrode 111 and the third electrode 211. With this configuration, by independently controlling the first electrode 111, the third electrode 211, and the fourth electrode 212, different adjustments to the electrophoretic particles 31 within the corresponding region of the first electrode 111 can be achieved, further refining the control range of the electrophoretic particles 31 and achieving precise grayscale control. The second electrode 112 is similar to the first electrode 111 and can be referred to accordingly without further description.

[0058] Taking the first electrode layer 11 in this embodiment as an example, the display control method of a single electrode layer in this application will be introduced first: such as Figure 4As shown in (a), the first electrode layer 11 includes a first electrode 111 and a second electrode 112. The first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 are spaced apart in the second direction X, and the area of ​​the first electrode 111 is smaller than the area of ​​the second electrode 112. The gray part shows the second electrode 112. Taking an electrophoretic layer 30 comprising positively charged black ink particles and a white first substrate 12 as an example, with the reference electrode 80 grounded, positive pressure is applied to both the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112. Under the influence of the electric field, the black ink particles gather towards the reference electrode 80 and are blocked by the light-shielding layer 24, resulting in a white pixel structure 40. Applying negative pressure to the first electrode 111 and positive pressure to the second electrode 112 causes the black ink particles to disperse towards the first electrode 111, at which point the pixel displays grayscale 0. Applying positive pressure to the first electrode 111 and negative pressure to the second electrode 112 causes the black ink particles to disperse towards the second electrode 112, at which point the pixel displays grayscale 1. Applying negative pressure to both the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 causes the black ink particles to disperse throughout the entire pixel structure 40, at which point the pixel displays grayscale q.

[0059] Similarly, the second electrode layer 21 can adopt the same control method as the first electrode layer 11, which can be referred to above and will not be repeated here. Furthermore, for the display panel 100 in this embodiment, the first electrode layer 11 and the second electrode layer 21 can respectively achieve four different grayscale adjustments, and the combined display panel 100 has 16 grayscale values. Taking three display states of the display panel 100 as an example: keeping the reference electrode 80 grounded, negative pressure is applied to the first electrode 111 to the fourth electrode 212, and black ink particles disperse throughout the pixel structure 40. At this time, the pixel structure 40 is black, such as... Figure 5 As shown; positive pressure is applied to all four electrodes from the first electrode 111 to the fourth electrode 212. Under the influence of the electric field, black ink particles gather towards the reference electrode 80 and are blocked by the light-shielding layer 24. At this time, the pixel structure 40 appears white, as shown. Figure 6 As shown; a negative pressure is applied to the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112, and a positive pressure is applied to the third electrode 211 and the fourth electrode 212, causing the black ink particles to disperse towards the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112. At this time, the pixel structure 40 appears gray, as shown. Figure 7 As shown.

[0060] In one implementation, such as Figure 4 As shown, the first electrode 111 includes a plurality of first sub-electrodes 113, the second electrode 112 includes a plurality of second sub-electrodes 114, the plurality of first sub-electrodes 113 are spaced apart in the second direction X, the plurality of second sub-electrodes 114 are spaced apart in the second direction X, and / or, at least two first sub-electrodes 113 and at least two second sub-electrodes 114 are sequentially and alternately arranged in the second direction X.

[0061] Optionally, the multiple first sub-electrodes 113 are equally spaced along the second direction X. Alternatively, the distance between two adjacent first sub-electrodes 113 is not entirely the same. Optionally, the first sub-electrodes 113 extend along the third direction Y as a straight line, a broken line, or a curve, or any combination of these. Optionally, the multiple first sub-electrodes 113 have the same dimensions in the third direction Y. Alternatively, the multiple first sub-electrodes 113 have different dimensions in the third direction Y; no specific limitation is imposed. The arrangement of the second sub-electrodes 114 is the same as that of the first sub-electrodes 113 described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0062] For example, such as Figure 4 As shown, a plurality of first sub-electrodes 113 are spaced apart in the second direction X, and the plurality of first sub-electrodes 113 have the same size in the third direction Y. A plurality of second sub-electrodes 114 are spaced apart in the second direction X, and the plurality of second sub-electrodes 114 include at least two second sub-electrodes 114 of a first size and at least two second sub-electrodes 114 of a second size, wherein the second size is larger than the first size. Optionally, the number of second sub-electrodes 114 of the first size is the same as the number of first sub-electrodes 113, and the two are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence in the third direction Y; the number of second sub-electrodes 114 of the second size is the number of second sub-electrodes 114 of the first size minus 1, and in the orthographic projection in the first direction Z, the second sub-electrodes 114 of the second size extend between two adjacent first sub-electrodes 113.

[0063] Optionally, in the third direction Y, the size of the first sub-electrode 113 is L1, the size of the second sub-electrode 114 of the first size is L2, and the size of the second sub-electrode 114 of the second size is L3, satisfying: 0.9≤L1 / L2≤1.1, 0.45≤L3 / L2≤0.55. Optionally, in the second direction X, the size of the first sub-electrode 113 is W1, and the size of the second sub-electrode 114 is W2, satisfying: 0.9≤W1 / W2≤1.1.

[0064] With this configuration, the multiple sub-electrodes of the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 are comb-shaped, which can form a parallel and dense transverse electric field in the plane. The electric field distribution can be finely controlled by adjusting the width, spacing and shape of the sub-electrodes, thereby achieving more levels of grayscale control and improving the uniformity of the distribution of electrophoretic particles 31.

[0065] In one implementation, such as Figure 4As shown, the first electrode 111 further includes a first connecting electrode 115, which is connected to the same end of a plurality of first sub-electrodes 113. The second electrode 112 further includes a second connecting electrode 116, which is connected to the same end of a plurality of second sub-electrodes 114. The plurality of first sub-electrodes 113 and the plurality of second sub-electrodes 114 are located between the first connecting electrode 115 and the second connecting electrode 116.

[0066] Optionally, in the third direction Y, there is a gap between the first connecting electrode 115 and the second sub-electrode 114, and a gap between the second connecting electrode 116 and the first sub-electrode 113. This arrangement avoids short circuits caused by contact between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112.

[0067] With this configuration, multiple first sub-electrodes 113 are electrically connected via the first connecting electrode 115, and multiple second sub-electrodes 114 are electrically connected via the second connecting electrode 116. This allows the same potential to be provided to the multiple first sub-electrodes 113 / multiple second sub-electrodes 114, ensuring that the electric field strength between each pair of adjacent comb teeth is basically consistent. In addition, there is no need to route each sub-electrode separately, which simplifies the wiring, reduces parasitic capacitance, and increases the opening ratio.

[0068] In one implementation, such as Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the third electrode 211 includes a plurality of third sub-electrodes 213 spaced apart in the second direction X, and the fourth electrode 212 includes a plurality of fourth sub-electrodes 214 spaced apart in the second direction X. In the first direction Z, the third sub-electrodes 213 and the fourth sub-electrodes 214 are exposed from the gap between the first sub-electrode 113 and the second sub-electrode 114.

[0069] The structures of the third electrode 211 and the fourth electrode 212 are similar to those of the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 described above, and will not be repeated here. For example, as shown... Figure 4 As shown in (b), the plurality of third sub-electrodes 213 have the same size in the third direction Y, and the plurality of fourth sub-electrodes 214 have the same size in the third direction Y. The plurality of third sub-electrodes 213 and the plurality of fourth sub-electrodes 214 are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence in the third direction Y. Moreover, in the third direction Y, the size of the third sub-electrode 213 is larger than the size of the fourth sub-electrode 214. In other embodiments, the plurality of third sub-electrodes 213 and the plurality of fourth sub-electrodes 214 may also be arranged alternately, without limitation.

[0070] Optionally, in the second direction X, there are gaps between two adjacent first sub-electrodes 113, and / or between two adjacent second sub-electrodes 114, and / or between adjacent first sub-electrodes 113 and second sub-electrodes, and in the orthogonal projection of the first direction Z, a plurality of third sub-electrodes 213 and a plurality of fourth sub-electrodes 214 are exposed from the aforementioned gaps.

[0071] Due to reasons such as process capabilities, the tooth width and tooth pitch of the comb-shaped electrodes cannot be infinitely small (the tooth width is the width of the sub-electrodes, and the tooth pitch is the distance between adjacent sub-electrodes). In a specific embodiment, the first electrode 111 and the third electrode 211 are on the same side, and the second electrode 112 and the fourth electrode 212 are on the same side. The teeth in the second electrode layer 21 (i.e., the third sub-electrode 213 and the fourth sub-electrode 214) are used to fill the tooth gaps in the first electrode layer 11 (i.e., the gaps between the first sub-electrode 113 and / or the second sub-electrode 114).

[0072] With such a setting, more levels of gray-scale control can be achieved, and the uniformity of particle distribution can be improved.

[0073] In some other ways, in addition to the comb-shaped electrodes, the shapes of the first electrode 111 to the fourth electrode 212 can also be any other feasible shapes, such as a "square" shape, an "S" shape, a "U" shape, a rectangle, etc., without limitation.

[0074] In another embodiment, as Figure 8 and Figure 9 shown, the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 are arranged in sequence in the second direction X, and the third electrode 211 and the fourth electrode 212 are arranged in sequence in the third direction Y. Among them, Figure 8 (a) in is a top view schematic diagram of the first substrate 10, Figure 8 (b) in is a top view schematic diagram of the second substrate 20, Figure 9 (c) in is a top view schematic diagram of the display panel 100.

[0075] With such a setting, the aggregation degree of the electrophoretic particles 31 can be regulated in the up / down or left / right direction of the display panel 100, and more levels of gray-scale control can be achieved.

[0076] In another embodiment, as Figure 10 and Figure 11 shown, Figure 10 is Figure 9 a cross-sectional view taken along the line C-C in, Figure 11 is Figure 9 a cross-sectional view taken along the line D-D in. The electrophoresis layer 30 includes a microcup structure 90. The microcup structure 90 is disposed between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20, and the microcup structure 90 has a receiving cavity, and the electrophoretic particles 31 are housed in the receiving cavity.

[0077] Microcup structures are used to encapsulate charged electrophoretic particles, enabling stable, low-power monochrome or color displays. Optionally, the microcup structure 90 can be formed on a substrate from a polymer material (such as photocurable resin) through processes such as photolithography, imprinting, or molding. The main body of the microcup structure 90 encloses a receiving cavity, which can be roughly a pit structure, for containing the electrophoretic liquid (such as a transparent solvent) and the electrophoretic particles 31 (such as monochrome charged particles). The cup walls of the microcup structure 90 can separate adjacent microcups, preventing particle crosstalk and ensuring the independence of the pixel structure 40.

[0078] Understandably, in this embodiment, there is no need to set the reference electrode 80 and the pixel wall 32, and the structure of other parts of the display panel 100 is the same as described above. The following uses the microcup structure 90 filled with positively charged black electrophoretic particles and negatively charged white electrophoretic particles as an example to introduce the voltage settings of 14 gray levels of the display panel 100 in one embodiment of this application and their corresponding target display states, as shown in Table 1 below.

[0079] Table 1. Voltage settings for the first to fourth electrodes and their corresponding target display states.

[0080] In the orthographic projection along the first direction Z, h represents the region of the third electrode 211, i represents the region of the fourth electrode 212, j represents the region of the first electrode 111, and k represents the region of the second electrode 112. hj represents the intersection of the first electrode 111 and the third electrode 211, and so on. The voltage data in Table 1 are for illustrative purposes only, intended to show the relative magnitude of the voltage and the direction of the electric field in each region from the first electrode 111 to the fourth electrode 212.

[0081] By setting up a microcup structure 90 and controlling the aggregation or dispersion of electrophoretic particles 31 in the microcup through the first electrode 111 to the fourth electrode 212 of the first electrode layer 11 and the second electrode layer 21, it is beneficial to achieve precise grayscale control and enrich the display effect.

[0082] Please refer to Figure 12 The electronic paper 1000 includes a housing 200 and a display panel 100 in the embodiments of this application, wherein the display panel 100 is housed in the housing 200.

[0083] The housing 200 provides physical protection and support for the display panel 100, while protecting the internal components from dust, moisture and other external factors.

[0084] Optionally, the connection method between the outer casing 200 and the display panel 100 can be adhesive, snap-fit, screw, magnetic connection, etc., and there are no specific restrictions. The shape of the display panel 100 can be square, round, rectangular, trapezoidal, irregular shape, etc., and the shape of the outer casing 200 can correspond to that of the display panel 100, without any restrictions.

[0085] The electronic paper 1000 in this embodiment of the application can achieve quantized grayscale control by using the display panel 100 in this embodiment of the application.

[0086] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that the orientation or positional relationship of the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer" and other indicators are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0087] The above-disclosed embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of this application and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this application. Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the processes for implementing the above embodiments and equivalent variations made in accordance with the claims of this application are still within the scope of this application.

Claims

1. A display panel, characterized in that, include: A first substrate includes a first electrode layer, wherein the first electrode layer includes a first electrode and a second electrode that are independent of each other. The second substrate is disposed opposite to and spaced apart from the first substrate in a first direction. The surface of the second substrate facing away from the first substrate is the display surface. The second substrate includes a second electrode layer, which is disposed on the side of the second substrate facing away from the display surface. The second electrode layer includes a third electrode and a fourth electrode that are independent of each other. An electrophoretic layer is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, and the electrophoretic layer includes electrophoretic particles; The first electrode, the second electrode, the third electrode, and the fourth electrode are used to charge different voltages, and in the first direction, at least a portion of the third electrode is exposed from the gap between the first electrode and the second electrode.

2. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first electrode and the second electrode are arranged sequentially in the second direction, and the third electrode and the fourth electrode are arranged sequentially in the second direction, the second direction intersecting the first direction.

3. The display panel according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first electrode includes a plurality of first sub-electrodes, and the second electrode includes a plurality of second sub-electrodes; A plurality of first sub-electrodes are spaced apart in the second direction, a plurality of second sub-electrodes are spaced apart in the second direction, and / or, at least two first sub-electrodes and at least two second sub-electrodes are alternately arranged in the second direction.

4. The display panel according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first electrode further includes a first connecting electrode connected to the same end of a plurality of first sub-electrodes. The second electrode further includes a second connecting electrode connected to the same end of a plurality of second sub-electrodes, and the plurality of first sub-electrodes and the plurality of second sub-electrodes are located between the first connecting electrode and the second connecting electrode.

5. The display panel according to claim 3, characterized in that, The third electrode includes a plurality of third sub-electrodes spaced apart in the second direction, and the fourth electrode includes a plurality of fourth sub-electrodes spaced apart in the second direction. In the first direction, the third sub-electrodes and the fourth sub-electrodes are exposed from the gap between the first sub-electrodes and the second sub-electrodes.

6. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first electrode and the second electrode are arranged sequentially in the second direction, and the third electrode and the fourth electrode are arranged sequentially in the third direction. The first direction, the second direction and the third direction intersect each other.

7. The display panel according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, In the orthographic projection of the first direction, the areas of the first electrode and the second electrode are different, and / or the areas of the third electrode and the fourth electrode are different.

8. The display panel according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The electrophoretic layer further includes a pixel wall, which is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, and the first substrate, the second substrate and the pixel wall together enclose the pixel cavity, in which the electrophoretic particles are housed.

9. The display panel according to claim 8, characterized in that, Both the first substrate and the second substrate are provided with reference electrodes, and in the orthographic projection in the first direction, at least a portion of the reference electrodes coincides with the pixel wall.

10. The display panel according to claim 9, characterized in that, The second substrate further includes a light-shielding layer, in which the pixel wall and the reference electrode are located within the light-shielding layer in the orthographic projection of the first direction.

11. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrophoretic layer includes a microcup structure disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, and the microcup structure has a receiving cavity in which the electrophoretic particles are received.

12. An electronic paper, characterized in that, It includes a housing and a display panel as described in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the display panel is housed within the housing.

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